trombone

noun

trom·​bone träm-ˈbōn How to pronounce trombone (audio)
(ˌ)trəm-ˈbōn,
ˈträm-ˌbōn
: a brass instrument consisting of a long cylindrical metal tube with two turns and having a movable slide or valves for varying the tone and a usual range one octave lower than that of the trumpet
trombonist
träm-ˈbō-nist How to pronounce trombone (audio)
(ˌ)trəm-ˈbō-
ˈträm-ˌbō-
noun

Illustration of trombone

Illustration of trombone

Examples of trombone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There aren’t many shows of this type anymore, but the handful that have premiered in the years since have a sad trombone quality to them. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2024 In order to work with a live orchestra consisting of piano, harp, strings, and percussion gathered from all over the world, and, of course, the iconic trombones, Giacchino had to write and record music fast. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2024 Last week, the CSO posted auditions for a new principal trombone starting in the 2025-26 season, signaling the impending retirement of Jay Friedman, a cornerstone of the section since 1962. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2024 Maryland Winds musicians, who play bassoon, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, piano, harp and more, will regularly visit Posner’s classes to work with students. Lizzy Alspach, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trombone 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trombone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Italian, augmentative of tromba trumpet, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German trumba, trumpa trumpet

First Known Use

circa 1724, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trombone was circa 1724

Dictionary Entries Near trombone

Cite this Entry

“Trombone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trombone. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

trombone

noun
trom·​bone träm-ˈbōn How to pronounce trombone (audio)
(ˌ)trəm-
: a brass wind instrument with a section that can slide in and out to make different tones
trombonist noun
Etymology

from Italian trombone, literally "large trumpet," from tromba "trumpet"

More from Merriam-Webster on trombone

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